Community Corner
ABOUT TOWN: Stoughton's July 4th Weekend Fun
Welcome to "About Town with Mark Snyder," a column that will keep you up to the minute with what's what, who's who and what's going on around town. If you see or hear something we could use here, let us know by sending an e-mail to pmpco@aol.com.
HAPPY JULY 4th to all my Patch readers! A thanks go out to all the service men and women serving around the world defending our freedom on this day. It is because of YOU, and your sacrifice, that we can hold parades and barbecues and celebrate this Independence Day.
PLEASE JOIN ME TODAY AT AROUND 2 PM at the Grandstand in front of the former Pacheco Hardware location. We'll be playing music and trivia, a giving out some gift certificates, courtesy of in Stoughton. Come early and get a good viewing spot for the (which starts at 2:30.p.m.)
Family Day Festivities were AWESOME! The first part of the Stoughton Community Events Committee's July 4th weekend went off without a hitch yesterday morning and afternoon. There was an adorable little fire truck train that gave rides around the track to all the kids (obtained through the efforts of Maria Faria.)
Find out what's happening in Stoughtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
There was an animal display from Zoo New England (and our good friend and town meeting member, John Linehan (who also happens to be the CEO of Zoo New England.) There were bouncing toys, "temporary tattoos' and more.
And, of course, the excitement of the bicycle, trike, and carriage decorating contests. John Wells of The Event Connection did an excellent job as host of all the festivities. Check out photos in the media gallery.
Find out what's happening in Stoughtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
THE NIGHT'S EVENTS: Ronnie Lewis and the Expedition did another amazing job entertaining thousands of concert-goers at last night, starting at 7 p.m. sharp.
Under threatening skies, the band--under a tent--rocked the night away, with Lewis working hard and delivering solid rock and roll nuggets to the grateful crowd. Lewis, who graduated Stoughton High School as Ronnie DiGangi, has had a career that has spanned over 40 years, including hit records with the Lewis & Clark Expedition.
His backing band kicked some musical butt, and provided the perfect accompaniment to his vocals. Keyboard player Steve Seropia, bass player Bob Sproule, Walter O'Brien (a drummer with a great singing voice), Ronnie's brother guitarist and vocalist Butch DeGangi, and sax player David Morill all took turns shining in the spotlight. Roger Caissie of High Voltage Sound in Marlboro did a great job with the audio.
The Allied Veteran's Council sold hot dogs, sausages and burgers, with all the proceeds helping out needy veterans. Veterans Agent Mike Pazyra was among the Faces In the Crowd, along with Selectman John Anderson, former Selectman and Community Events Committee Chairman Joe Mokrisky, FinCom Vice Chair Rick Hill, and Acting Fire Chief Mark Dolloff, whose ladder truck once again sported a huge flag.
Those were just some of the town leaders I found on my end of the field. There were literally thousands of people all around, and I'm sure many other town officials were spread out all around the various places to watch and listen. There was also a carnival taking place at the O'Donnell Middle School lot, featuring artist Erick Granados doing caricatures, and others doing sand art, and hat painting.
I had a fried oreo (a $2 clump of delicious fatty cholesterol, with fried dough on the outside, and an oreo cookie on the inside.). The Community Events Committee made $500 from the carnival. The Fireworks, sponsored by a generous donation from , was once again an intensely entertaining experience!
IKEA's donation not only pays for the fireworks, but frees up money for the Community Events Committee to offer Easter Egg Hunts, Haunted Hayrides and other events throughtout the year.
A SALUTE TO THE ORGANIZERS: Here's an up to date list of ALL the members of the Stoughton Community Events Committee. If you see any of them, THANK them for their hard work! Joe Mokrisky, Chairman; Bob Desmond, Vice Chairman; Heidee Anastos, Michael Beder, Ron Dardano, Maria Faria, Heather Genereux, Susie Gross, Janet Jasmin, Lynne McCormack, Sgt. Dan McGowan, Paula Meyers, Nancy Patterson, Reggie Kowalczykowski, Laurice Rubel, Fran Stetson, Kevin Stetson, Brian Walsh, Carlene Walsh, Dennis Walsh, John Walsh, Jr. and Rachel Ann Walsh.
NICE TO SEE: It was great to see SCEC member Fran Stetson at the concert and fireworks last night. She had a triple bypass and an aorta replacement five weeks ago, and despite the rough road, she looked great. Contined rapid and complete recovery to her!
Check Stoughton Patch in the coming days for even more pictures from Sunday's July 4th activities in Stoughton.
